St Etienne eye up Carlton Cole

Crystal Palace, as well as some American clubs, have also shown interest in Cole

Ex-Chelsea star Cole, 29, is a free agent after he was released by West Ham.

The hitman was strongly tipped to move to Crystal Palace and has also been targeted by clubs in America.

“We need an attacker who can take at least two roles – the anchor role and the deeper striker role”

Christophe Galtier

Now reports in France have linked him with St Etienne. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left the French side to join Borussia Dortmund and they need a partner for Brazilian Brandao.

St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier said: “We need an attacker who can take at least two roles – the anchor role and the deeper striker role – where he is capable of replacing or playing alongside Brandao.”